Red Sox Discussing Massive Move to Send All-Star Starter to Bullpen: Report
The Boston Red Sox, who kicked off a critical four-game series with their archrival New York Yankees with postseason implications Thursday, are discussing moving a two-time All-Star starter to their bullpen.
According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Walker Buehler is not guaranteed to make his next scheduled start Monday in Baltimore.
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It would be Buehler's second start against the Orioles in less than a week, a tough task for any pitcher. Wednesday in Boston, he allowed four hits, four walks, and two runs in four innings against the Orioles. Baltimore held on to win 4-3 in 11 innings.
The loss moved the Red Sox (68-59) 1.5 games behind the Yankees (69-57) with the two teams set to clash Thursday in New York.
Although Baseball Reference pegged Boston's odds of making the postseason at 88 percent Thursday morning, that could easily change by Monday. And manager Alex Cora might be wise to reconsider the best role for Buehler, who's 7-7 with a 5.40 ERA in his first season since signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox last winter — at least temporarily.
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Buehler, an All-Star in 2019 and 2021 with the Dodgers, was on the mound when Los Angeles defeated the Yankees in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series to clinch the championship.
Buehler has started 144 of his 153 appearances in the regular season, including all 22 games he's pitched for the Red Sox.
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While the Red Sox have taken a patient approach with Buehler, who returned from his second Tommy John surgery just last season, there are signs the patience is running thin internally.
Cotillo notes that the 31-year-old right-hander has walked 36 batters in his last 54.1 innings over 11 starts. He's also issued at least three free passes in eight of those outings. "Those walks have been a source of frustration for both Buehler and the club," Cotillo wrote, "and have led to increased discussions about his future in the rotation."
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.